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Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Strange disease breaks out, kills five in Tharaka Nithi

Eric November 03, 2021 0

*Strange disease breaks out in Tharaka Nithi, kills five people*

A strange disease has broken out in Tharaka Nithi County and so far, it has claimed the lives of five people.

On Tuesday, November 2, health officials released information about the disease, stating that the disease which is known as Kala-Azar has infected 33 individuals over the last few months

The county is therefore on a high alert as it continues to make necessary steps to contain the outbreak.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), Kala-Azar, which is scientifically referred to as Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), is characterised by irregular bouts of fever, anaemia, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and weight loss.

WHO also states that the disease remains one of the top parasitic diseases with outbreak and mortality potential.

Most cases are reported in Brazil, East Africa, and India.

WHO informs, "In 2019, more than 90 per cent of new cases reported to WHO occurred in 10 countries: Brazil, Ethiopia, Eritrea, India, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan."

Parasites cause the disease which is then transmitted through the bites of infested female sand flies. The flies produce eggs after feeding on blood.

The rates of infection vary in different populations. Once infested by the disease, people with HIV are highly likely to go full-blown.

Malnutrition, environmental changes, and poor hygienic conditions attract the disease. These are the leading causes in Kenya.

All patients diagnosed with this disease require prompt and detailed treatment as it is treatable and curable once detected on its early stages.

It can be prevented through monitored mobility of people, proper vector control, effective disease surveillance.

Seven-year-old boy dies of suspected honey poisoning in Tharaka Nithi

Tharaka Nithi

Eric July 11, 2021 0

A seven-year-old boy in Mukothima Ward, Tharaka Nithi County has died of suspected honey poisoning.

According Gikingo Location Chief Jacob Mpuria, it is highly likely that the child died of food poisoning.

Mpuria also confirmed that four of the boy's siblings were admitted at Kwamwari Mukothima Mission Hospital in critical condition.

The police have reportedly launched a manhunt for the mother of the minors, an adherent of Kabonokia sect who is said to have fled after refusing to take the children to hospital due to her faith.

The honey, which is suspected to be poisonous, was harvested on Saturday, July 10.

Mpuria stated, “I learned of the incident in the morning and I have been informed that the honey that they took was harvested last evening.”

According to a neighbor, the children's father, Paul Murungi, was away when the incident occurred and several people also took the honey and refused to go to hospital.

“Most of the residents of this village are members of the Kabonokia religious group and more people could have eaten the poisonous honey but are hiding to avoid being forced to go to the hospital,” the neighbor noted.

Reportedly, Kabonokia supporters believe that no one other than God can heal illnesses.

Court orders KWS to compensate family of man killed by elephant

Tharaka Nithi

Eric March 09, 2021 0

A High Court in Chuka has ordered the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to compensate the family of a man, Josphat Karii Njeru, killed by elephant by paying them over Sh4 million.

Jediel Murithi Njeru had sued KWS as the legal representative of Karii’s estate after killed by a stray elephant on May 1, 2017. However, the cases was dismissed by the Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court in Marimati.

Murithi filed an appeal after the Principal Magistrate’s Court dismissed the case in a judgement delivered on April 11, 2019.

Justice Robert Kipkoech Limo of the High Court in Chuka set aside the earlier decision by the Magistrate’s Court.

According to the judge, KWS has not denied liability but resorted technicalities as an excuse for not compensating the Murithi.

The judgement read, “This court entered judgement for the appellant at Sh5 million less 20 per cent liability that reduced the figure by one million. The appellant is therefore awarded Sh4 million plus special damages of Sh45,000.”